Victory Programs

Victory Programs is a Boston nonprofit that provides housing, recovery and health care support to people in crisis. Most of the individuals and families it serves are unhoused or unstably housed, and many live with substance use disorders, mental health concerns or chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. Its programs at more than 25 Greater Boston locations offer low-barrier housing, emergency shelter, recovery services and medical case management with fast, confidential access.

The organization began more than 50 years ago as a single program for men facing substance use disorder on Massachusetts Avenue. Staff painted its door tomato red with clearance-rack paint, and the red door came to stand for a place that does not turn anyone away. That idea still guides the work: no one should have to do the hardest thing first, alone, before getting basic support. A new family housing site near Coolidge Corner in Brookline will serve mothers in recovery and their young children.

What to Know

• Volunteers can serve meals at the Boston Living Center in the Back Bay or help assemble harm reduction kits.
• Medical case management helps clients with MassHealth enrollment, appointments, rental assistance, transportation and healthy food.
• Runners can raise money for the organization through its Boston Marathon charity team.
• Volunteer sign-ups are handled by its Corporate and Community Engagement Coordinator.